Modi Hits Hard At China And Pakistan Over Cross-Border Terrorism In SCO Summit

Tianjin: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday delivered a strong message against countries abetting terrorism, indirectly aiming at both China and Pakistan during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Referring to the recent Pahalgam terror strike, Modi said it was nothing less than an “attack on humanity.” With one address, the Prime Minister managed to send a clear warning to both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif without naming them directly.

PM Modi underlined India’s gratitude to countries that extended support in the aftermath. “At this hour, the friendly nations who stood by us, we are grateful to them. This attack was not just an assault on India’s soul, but also a challenge to those who believe in humanity,” he said.

Pushing for a collective and uncompromising stance, Modi questioned the forum on the global tolerance of state-backed terrorism. “At this moment, one question is normal: is it acceptable to us that some countries openly support terrorism? We have to say this in clear words that there are no double standards in terrorism. We have to oppose terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he declared.

Reiterating that fighting terrorism is a moral duty, Modi added, “This is our duty towards humanity.”

On the broader agenda of the SCO, the Prime Minister also focused on connectivity as a pillar of trust and growth. “India has always believed that strong connectivity is not just for commerce, but also opens doors for trust and development,” he remarked.

SCO condemns Pahalgam attack, backs India’s stand

Following Modi’s intervention, the Council of Heads of State of the SCO adopted a declaration that echoed India’s concerns. It strongly denounced the April 22 Pahalgam attack, describing it as an act of terror that required accountability.

"The Member States strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025. They expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the dead and the wounded. They further stated that perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of such attacks must be brought to justice," the statement read.

The declaration reaffirmed the SCO’s firm commitment to combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, stressing that such groups must not be used for “mercenary purposes.” It added that “the member states strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, stress that double standards in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable, and call on the international community to combat terrorism, including cross-border movement of terrorists.”

The bloc also took note of other regional conflicts, condemning Israeli strikes in Gaza for causing extensive civilian casualties and worsening the humanitarian crisis in the Strip.

The SCO leaders further discussed ways to strengthen regional security cooperation, identifying terrorism as one of the most urgent challenges to stability.

Xi Jinping hits out at ‘bullying behaviour’ 

Opening the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping took aim at what he called “bullying behaviour” in the global order, urging member states to reject Cold War mentality, bloc politics, and intimidation. His remarks were seen as a broader critique of the West, particularly the United States.

Xi called for fairness and justice in global governance and emphasised that the SCO represented a new model of international relations. In his words, the grouping “stood firmly against external interference” and must serve as a pillar of stability.

He further pledged that China would step up its commitment to the SCO, announcing grants worth 2 billion yuan (approximately USD 281 million) to be provided to member states within the year.

Xi also projected his vision of a new security order, stating that China would work with partners to elevate the SCO as a regional and global force that could balance existing power structures. He urged the grouping to embrace constructive participation in world affairs, resist hegemonism, and strengthen multilateralism.

The two-day summit brought together over 20 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Modi.

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